[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 3, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 RECOGNIZING THE LEADERSHIP AND DEDICATION OF DR. RON & MARY THOMAS TO 
     THE UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND AND THE GREATER TACOMA COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2016

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Ron & Mary 
Thomas, who this spring will complete their thirteenth and final year 
at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. Dr. Thomas has served 
as the University's thirteenth President since 2003 and has left a 
historic mark on this already prestigious institution of higher 
education.
  The University of Puget Sound is a more diverse, inclusive, 
comprehensive, accessible, and transformational place because of their 
leadership. Thousands of students, faculty, staff, and community 
members have been positively impacted by their presence in this 
community.
  Prior to arriving at Puget Sound, Dr. Thomas served as a faculty 
member at the University of Chicago, Harvard University, and Trinity 
College. His career in higher education is decorated with numerous 
recognitions for contributions in writing, student life, and 
institutional leadership. With the arrival of Ron and Mary Thomas to 
Tacoma in the summer of 2003, the University of Puget Sound began its 
historic growth and transformation.
  Mr. Speaker, for the past thirteen years, Dr. Thomas has led and 
overseen a renewal of the already beautiful University of Puget Sound 
campus. To complement the already stunning views of Mt. Rainier and 
towering Douglas fir trees, Dr. Thomas and his staff directed over $200 
million in campus capital improvements. These projects include a new 
academic science complex, upgrades in residential facilities, and 
athletic and recreational centers to bolster student life. Thankfully, 
Dr. Thomas and his team ensured that these projects were encompassed 
into a thoughtful and comprehensive campus master plan.
  In addition to physical improvements on campus, Dr. Thomas and his 
wife Mary will forever be remembered in Tacoma for their dedication to 
the community and for successfully following through on their vision to 
connect the Puget Sound campus to the community that surrounds it. 
Since their arrival, Ron and Mary have been generous with their time 
and resources in supporting the civic and cultural institutions of 
Tacoma.
  Mr. Speaker, during his tenure at UPS, Dr. Thomas helped create the 
``Tacoma Public Schools Commitment,'' which created a clear pathway for 
local students to attend this private, liberal-arts education at an 
affordable price. Given the community's diversity and challenges in 
paying for higher education, this initiative will help grow future 
generations of engaged and educated citizens of Tacoma.
  Mr. Speaker, I join the larger Tacoma communities in expressing my 
gratitude today in the United States Congress for Dr. Ron and Mary 
Thomas for their thirteen years of leadership and dedication. As the 
proud Representative for Tacoma, WA in the House of Representatives, I 
offer my best wishes on their future adventures together.

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